The SecEd Podcast: Protecting teacher wellbeing

Our latest Teacher Wellbeing Index shows a worrying trend of increased symptoms of poor mental health, such as mood swings, difficulty concentrating, insomnia and tearfulness. It also highlights the sustained pressure on senior leaders as they again report the highest levels of stress among all education staff. 

Alongside our findings, Department of Education data showed the number of teachers leaving in 2020/21 before retirement age increased to 36,262, up by more than 4,000 on the year before. However, this data was collected during the Covid-retention bounce in autumn 2021 and most experts expect the figures to worsen.

Listen to the expert panel discuss mental health pressures on teachers, what can be done to support them and offer hope for the future of the profession: 

• Rachel Ward, Director of Wellbeing, The Kemnal Academies Trust
• Gemma Williamson, Deputy Principal for Teaching and Learning, The Hazeley Academy, Milton Keynes
• Faye McGuinness, Director of Programmes, Education Support

Don’t miss part 2 of this podcast, featuring Peter telling his own compelling story of mental health struggles and providing advice for colleagues and schools, due to air on 9 November: 

List of resources mentioned in this podcast:

• Teacher Wellbeing Index
• Pillars of psychological safety
• Psychological safety in schools
• Practical Tool 1: A ‘How To’ Guide - behaviour that builds psychological safety in schools
• Practical Tool 2: 5 minute Psychological safety audit: 
• School Leaders Service including professional supervision
• Compassionate leadership article 
• Education Support Helpline - call 08000 562 561
• Education Support Employee Assistance Programme
• Guide to setting boundaries (how to say no)
• Boundaries, rest and letting go: how to give yourself permission  
• Getting a good night's sleep 
• Mind’s Wellbeing Action Plan